“We started the project more than four years
ago - when we found out the microstructure
mechanical properties were not as perfect as
we would like. I thought of an idea based on a
similar method I tried in the past before joining
Boeing,” he said.

“We did tests, got good results and thought it
was a good idea to pursue it as a patent,” Zhang
said. When he found out the patent was awarded
last October, “I was pretty excited.”
Before starting at Boeing five years ago, Zhang
worked in materials and processes in other
high-tech and metals industries. Zhang has 11
other patents in his name from working at these
companies. Zhang is expecting another Boeing
U.S. patent approval this spring.

When he decided to
pursue the patent at
Boeing, he wasn’t sure
if it would qualify. He
learned that Boeing encourages employees to
submit their ideas.

Zhang, whose Boeing career has been only
at Portland, works in Boeing Research and
Technology, along with his Council Rep, Emily
Brent-Fulps.

He appreciates the benefits of SPEEA from
the lunchtime information meetings to events
which bring SPEEA leaders to Portland (hot
dog BBQ for example). He’s also grateful for
the career building and skill development
through Ed Wells Partnership. Regarding the
SPEEA publications, Zhang likes to read articles
about SPEEA members and their achievements.
“That’s encouraging,” he said.

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Boeing patent:

U.S. 9,796,137 B2

New Middle-Market Aircraft

Study will examineWashington competitiveness

SPEEA and Machinists District 751 - as part of the Governor’s Choose Washington NMA Council - commissioned Richard
Aboulafia, vice president of the Teal Group, to
conduct an in-depth analysis of the state’s competitive position to design, manufacture and
assemble Boeing’s proposed New Middle-Market
Aircraft (NMA).

“We look forward to looking at the data and
providing a very clear examination of the state’s
strengths and weaknesses,” said Aboulafia. The
study is scheduled for completion in April.

Initially co-funded by the IAM and SPEEA, the
governor’s council and state officials are working on the broader funding for overall efforts,
including work related to the study.

“As independent aerospace experts, Aboulafiaand his team know what aerospace firms lookfor when making site decisions,” said ChelseaOrvella, SPEEA’s representative on the coun-cil. “With this study, our unions and the NMACouncil are being proactive and tapping intonew approaches to secure Boeing’s next planein Washington.”As one of the leading aerospace analysts in theworld, Aboulafia and the Teal Group are wellsuited for performing an in-depth analysis ofWashington’s engineering and manufacturingfacilities, talent pool, supplier network, tax struc-ture and proven success for Boeing.

“They will let us know where we are strong – and
I believe we are strong everywhere,” said Jon
Holden, president of IAM District 751. “This
will be independent and something we can use
to improve our environment.”

Northwest Council hosts Guest Night

At Guest Night, the Council held random drawings for door prizes. Shown here is the first winner, Braum Bahrampour (right), a
Plant II (Seattle) Area Rep, with NW Council Chair Tony Hickerson, left, and NW Council Treasurer James Raskob (center).

About a dozen guests joined the Northwest Council at its Feb. 8 meeting. Nearly 100 attended the
meeting, held at the Tukwila Teamsters hall
to accommodate a larger crowd.

At this annual event, SPEEA invites interested
members to see their union ‘in action’ through
the work of the Council to set policy and hear
updates on workplace issues.

The evening included a panel of speakers
discussing the pros and cons of SPEEA
endorsing candidates. Currently, SPEEA
and its delegates on the local and state labor
councils refrain from endorsing of candidates
for public office. The Northwest Legislative
and Public Affairs (L&PA) committee hosted
the panel discussion.